Derrick Lewis ends free agency by inking new deal with the UFC

[OctoberRed]

Derrick Lewis’ free agency was short lived.

On Wednesday, UFC President Dana White and executive Hunter Campbell insinuated that Lewis had already been re-signed by the promotion to a new eight-fight deal. A person with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that “The Black Beast” will remain with the UFC for the foreseeable future.

Following his 33 second finish of Marcos Rogerio de Lima — and memorable post-fight celebration — at UFC 291 in July, Lewis revealed that was the final fight on his deal. The 38-year-old snapped a three-fight skid with the victory, and picked up his 18th octagon victory in the process. The finish also put Lewis in sole possession as the record holder for most knockouts in UFC history with 14, one ahead of Matt Brown.

Lewis has competed for UFC gold on two separate occasions, losing to Daniel Cormier in the main event of UFC 230 in November 2018 for the undisputed title, and came up short in his bid to win the interim heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 265 in August 2021.

[Willy Wanker]

The UFC need to pay this man!

Lewis is always in a fight of the night candidate, win or lose (except the Ngannou fight). Either he knocks someone out or he gets knocked himself.

[OctoberRed]

The UFC need to pay this man!

Lewis is always in a fight of the night candidate, win or lose (except the Ngannou fight). Either he knocks someone out or he gets knocked himself.

Eight fights is a long time. Usually he fights like what, 2-3 times a year at most?

[Willy Wanker]

Eight fights is a long time. Usually he fights like what, 2-3 times a year at most?

Yeah and being 38 already means he'll likely end up retiring after those eight fights, maybe even sooner.

But then again Arlovski is still fighting in the UFC and he's 44.

[OctoberRed]

Yeah and being 38 already means he'll likely end up retiring after those eight fights, maybe even sooner.

But then again Arlovski is still fighting in the UFC and he's 44.

There is like an out for the UFC if Lewis loses a few times

[Anthony342]

8 more fights for Hot Balls, alright.

[tophat1]

I cant see him fighting 8 more times

[Anthony342]

I cant see him fighting 8 more times

Well that's what they're hoping. Either he does all 8 fights and then retires or retires before then. Good for Hot Balls. Hope he gets some nice paydays if he can win.

[OctoberRed]

Well that's what they're hoping. Either he does all 8 fights and then retires or retires before then. Good for Hot Balls. Hope he gets some nice paydays if he can win.

Or loses and they have an out clause.

[N/A]

Yeah and being 38 already means he'll likely end up retiring after those eight fights, maybe even sooner.

But then again Arlovski is still fighting in the UFC and he's 44.

It's wrong fighting at this age and the main reason is health-related.

Lewis will probably rely on declining performance which can make UFC not asking him to fulfill the 8-fights contract, as he is just a filling. In any way, this man isn't a good fighter.